Exhibit 23.2



                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Independent
Public Accountants" in the Proxy Statement of First Evergreen Corporation
that is made a part of the Prospectus and Registration Statement (Form S-4)
of Old Kent Financial Corporation for the registration of 12,820,840 shares
of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our
report dated January 21, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of First Evergreen Corporation as of and for the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996 included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.



                                        /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

                                        ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Chicago, Illinois
June 11, 1998