EXHIBIT 99.1
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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For: MAF Bancorp, Inc. Contacts: Jerry A. Weberling, Chief
55th Street & Holmes Avenue Financial Officer
Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 Michael J. Janssen, Senior
Vice President
www.mafbancorp.com (630) 325-7300

MAF BANCORP REPORTS 20% EARNINGS INCREASE TO $.55 PER SHARE

Clarendon Hills, Illinois, April 20, 2000 - MAF Bancorp, Inc. (MAFB)
announced today that earnings per share for the first quarter ended March 31,
2000 increased 20% to $.55 per diluted share, compared to $.46 per diluted share
reported in last year's first quarter. The strong results for the quarter were
attributable to higher net interest income, real estate development income and
deposit account service charges, as well as from a lower effective tax rate and
a lower number of outstanding shares resulting from ongoing stock repurchases.
The quarter was also highlighted by healthy deposit growth, and the continued
success of retail banking initiatives directed toward increasing the Company's
deposit account base.

Net income for the period totaled $13.1 million compared to $11.7
million in the year earlier period. Cash earnings per share (diluted), which
excludes amortization of goodwill and deposit base intangibles, totaled $.58 in
the current quarter compared to $.49 in last year's first quarter. Return on
average equity was 14.9% in the current quarter and the return on average assets
was 1.11%.

Net interest income, after provision for loan losses, totaled $30.2
million in the current quarter compared to $28.2 million a year ago and $29.6
million in the quarter ended December 31, 1999. The Bank's net interest margin
declined to 2.71% for the current quarter compared to 2.95% for the quarter
ended March 31, 1999 and compared to 2.77% for the quarter ended December 31,
1999. The yield on average interest-earning assets increased three basis points
to 7.11% over the past three months while the cost of interest-bearing
liabilities increased by 12 basis points to 4.76%. The six basis point decline
in the net interest margin over the past three months is primarily due to higher
funding costs on both deposits and borrowings. The continuing stock repurchase
plan also reduced the net interest margin. Management expects that the net
interest margin will continue to come under pressure over the next year due to
expected higher interest rates and increased competition for deposits. A
continuation of consumers' current preference for adjustable rate loans should
contribute to continued earning asset growth, however, and offset negative
margin pressure, resulting in growth in net interest income.

Average interest-earning assets in the current quarter grew to $4.51
billion from $3.86 billion reported for last year's first quarter and up from
$4.33 billion reported for the quarter ended December 31, 1999. Despite higher
mortgage rates which slowed mortgage loan volume during the quarter, increases
in loans receivable balances led to the growth in interest-earning assets. The
balance sheet loan growth was generated from the high concentration of
adjustable rate loan originations which the Bank generally retains in its
portfolio. Loan volume totaled $302.4 million in the current quarter compared to
$391.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 1999 and $399.3 million in the
quarter ended December 31, 1999.

Non-interest income increased to $7.8 million in the current quarter,
compared to $7.3 million reported in the first quarter of last year. These
results were driven by increased real estate development profits and higher fee
income from deposit account products, offset by reduced gains on sales of loans
and investment securities. Income from real estate operations was strong in the
first quarter, totaling $2.5 million, compared to $621,000 in last year's first
quarter. A total of 93 residential lots were sold in the current quarter
compared to 46 lots in last year's first quarter. Despite the recent increases
in interest rates, new construction activity remains strong in the Company's
markets. Results in the Company's Tallgrass of Naperville development continue
to be excellent, accounting for most of the real estate development income in
the first quarter. A total of 216 lots were under contract at the end of the
quarter, including 138 lots in the Tallgrass development.

Deposit account service fees totaled $2.6 million for the quarter ended
March 31, 2000, up from the $2.2 million reported for the quarter ended March
31, 1999. Deposit account fee income is one of the Company's strongest revenue
growth areas, reflecting the Company's focus on growing its transaction account
base. Total checking accounts exceeded 106,000 at quarter end, increasing at an
annualized rate of 13.8% over the past three months. Loan servicing fee income
and brokerage commissions also showed healthy double digit percentage increases
over the prior year.

The increasing interest rate environment and decline in loan
refinancing activity led to a decline in gain on sale of loans and
mortgage-backed securities to $57,000 in the current quarter. This compared to
$1.5 million a year ago. Loan sales in the current quarter totaled only $35.7
million compared to $139.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 1999, as most
of the current period loan production was adjustable-rate product which the
Company generally does not sell. Gains on sale of investment securities also
declined from last year, totaling $133,000 compared to $538,000 in last year's
first quarter.

Non-interest expense totaled $17.7 million in the current quarter,
compared to $16.2 million reported for the quarter ended March 31, 1999 and
$17.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 1999. Compensation and benefits
expense totaled $10.1 million in the current quarter, compared to $9.5 million a
year ago. This change was primarily due to normal compensation increases and one
additional branch location. Advertising expense increased over the prior year by
$470,000, primarily due to the radio-based company branding campaign initiated
in 1999 and heavier print advertising for deposit products. Both programs have
been instrumental in expanding total deposits and new retail checking account
openings.

The ratio of total non-interest expense to average assets improved to
1.50% for the current quarter, compared to 1.59% in last year's first quarter
and 1.56% three months ago. The Company's efficiency ratio, a measure of the
amount of expense needed to generate each dollar of revenue, remained strong at
46.3%, considerably better than peer group averages.

Income tax expense totaled $7.2 million in the current quarter, equal
to an effective income tax rate of 35.5%, compared to $7.6 million and an
effective tax rate of 39.5% for the quarter ended March 31, 1999. The lower
effective income tax rate in the current period compared to a year ago was
primarily the result of proactive tax planning involving the 1999 transfer of
Bank portfolio assets to an operating subsidiary. In addition, the recognition
in the current period of income tax benefits relating to the resolution of
certain prior years' income tax issues resulted in a lower effective tax rate.

Asset quality continued to be strong during the first quarter.
Non-performing assets at March 31, 2000 increased by $1.4 million to $24.5
million, or .51% of total assets, compared to $23.1 million or .50% of total
assets at December 31, 1999. The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of
$300,000 in the current quarter, while net loan charge-offs totaled only $9,000.
The Bank's allowance for loan losses was $17.6 million at March 31, 2000, equal
to 108.1% of total non-performing loans, 71.8% of total non-performing assets
and .44% of total loans receivable.

Total assets increased to $4.82 billion at March 31, 2000, up $163.8
million from the $4.66 billion reported at December 31, 1999. The growth in
assets during the three-month period was driven by an increase in loans
receivable of $138.2 million. The balance of loans receivable at March 31, 2000
stood at $4.02 billion. Deposit growth was impressive during the current quarter
as balances increased by $57.5 million in the past three months, to $2.76
billion. The April 17, 2000 completion of two branch purchases in southwest
suburban Chicago will add approximately $91 million to the deposit base in the
second quarter.

Borrowed funds increased by $96.6 million to $1.62 billion at March 31,
2000, compared to $1.53 billion at December 31, 1999. Total stockholders' equity
was $351.7 million at March 31, 2000, resulting in a stated book value per share
of $15.00 and a tangible book value per share of $12.42. The Company repurchased
690,800 shares of its common stock during the current quarter at an average
price of $18.04 per share. The Bank's tangible, core and risk-based capital
percentages of 6.27%, 6.27% and 12.13%, respectively, at March 31, 2000 exceeded
all regulatory requirements by a significant margin.

MAF Bancorp is the parent company of Mid America Bank, a federally
chartered stock savings bank. The Bank operates a network of 27 retail banking
offices primarily in Chicago and its western suburbs. The Company's common stock
trades on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol MAFB.

Forward-Looking Information
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Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts
may constitute forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 21E of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) which involve significant risks
and uncertainties. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be
covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained
in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and is including this
statement for purposes of invoking these safe harbor provisions. The Company's
ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is
inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the
operations and future prospects of the Company and the subsidiaries include, but
are not limited to, changes in interest rates, general economic conditions,
legislative/regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S.
Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve
Board, the quality or composition of the Company's loan or investment
portfolios, demand for loan products, deposit flows, competition, demand for
financial services in the Company's market area, the possible short-term
dilutive effect of potential acquisitions, and accounting principles, policies
and guidelines. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating
forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such
statements.

MAF BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
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2000 1999
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(UNAUDITED)

Interest income ......................................... $80,091 $67,438
Interest expense ........................................ 49,548 39,035
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Net interest income .................................... 30,543 28,403
Provision for loan losses ............................... 300 250
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Net interest income after provision for loan losses .... 30,243 28,153
Non-interest income:
Gain on sale of:
Loans receivable .................................... 49 1,456
Mortgage-backed securities .......................... 8 4
Investment securities ............................... 133 538
Foreclosed real estate .............................. 72 12
Income from real estate operations ..................... 2,475 621
Deposit account service charges ........................ 2,570 2,205
Loan servicing fee income .............................. 556 376
Brokerage commissions .................................. 678 592
Other .................................................. 1,218 1,512
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Total non-interest income ........................... 7,759 7,316
Non-interest expense:
Compensation and benefits .............................. 10,145 9,466
Office occupancy and equipment ......................... 1,915 1,807
Federal deposit insurance premiums ..................... 147 404
Data processing ........................................ 716 591
Advertising and promotion .............................. 1,002 532
Amortization of goodwill ............................... 684 650
Amortization of core deposit intangibles ............... 276 327
Other .................................................. 2,801 2,403
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Total non-interest expense .......................... 17,686 16,180
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Income before income taxes .......................... 20,316 19,289
Income taxes ............................................ 7,207 7,610
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Net income ............................................. $13,109 $11,679
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Basic earnings per share: ............................... $ .55 $ .47
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Diluted earnings per share: ............................. .55 .46
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MAF BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(Dollars in thousands)

MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
2000 1999
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(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
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Cash and due from banks ...................................................... $ 46,245 $ 71,721
Interest-bearing deposits .................................................... 21,089 51,306
Federal funds sold ........................................................... 115,364 35,013
Investment securities, at cost (fair value of $12,385 and $12,321) ........... 12,059 11,999
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value ...................... 190,056 194,105
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, at cost .......................... 78,275 75,025
Mortgage-backed securities, at amortized cost
(fair value of $90,332 and $92,095) ....................................... 94,144 94,251
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale, at fair value ................. 37,887 39,703
Loans receivable held for sale ............................................... 37,899 12,601
Loans receivable, net of allowance for losses of $17,567 and $17,276 ......... 3,984,857 3,871,968
Accrued interest receivable .................................................. 25,145 23,740
Foreclosed real estate ....................................................... 8,221 7,415
Real estate held for development or sale ..................................... 14,815 15,889
Premises and equipment, net .................................................. 42,516 42,489
Other assets ................................................................. 53,048 49,640
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $11,515 and $10,555 .... 60,270 61,200
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$ 4,821,890 $ 4,658,065

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
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Liabilities:
Deposits .................................................................... 2,756,789 2,699,242
Borrowed funds .............................................................. 1,622,925 1,526,363
Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance ............................... 40,589 34,767
Accrued expenses and other liabilities ...................................... 49,936 44,772
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Total liabilities ........................................................ 4,470,239 4,305,144
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Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares; none
outstanding .............................................................. -- --
Common stock, $.01 par value;
80,000,000 shares authorized; 25,420,650 shares issued; 23,449,287
and 23,911,508 shares outstanding ..................................... 254 254
Additional paid-in capital ................................................... 197,320 194,874
Retained earnings, substantially restricted .................................. 202,140 198,156
Stock in Gain Deferral Plan; 223,453 shares .................................. 511 511
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ......................................... (4,022) (3,675)
Treasury stock, at cost; 2,194,816 and 1,732,595 shares ...................... (44,552) (37,199)
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Total stockholders' equity ............................................... 351,651 352,921

Commitments and contingencies ................................................ $ 4,821,890 $ 4,658,065
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MAF BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(In thousands, except share data)

MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
2000 1999 1999
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Book value per share ...................................... $ 15.00 $ 14.76 $ 13.76
Tangible book value per share ............................. 12.42 12.20 11.22
Stockholders' equity to total assets ...................... 7.29% 7.58% 8.07%
Tangible capital ratio (Bank only) ........................ 6.27% 6.32% 6.64%
Core capital ratio (Bank only) ............................ 6.27% 6.32% 6.64%
Risk-based capital ratio (Bank only) ...................... 12.13% 12.32% 12.96%
Common shares outstanding:
Actual ................................................... 23,449,287 23,911,508 24,129,988
Basic (weighted average) ................................. 23,780,241 24,043,647 24,636,116
Diluted (weighted average) ............................... 23,953,996 24,593,038 25,421,860

Non-performing loans ...................................... $ 16,254 $ 15,645 $ 14,566
Non-performing assets ..................................... 24,475 23,061 23,669
Allowance for loan losses ................................. 17,567 17,276 16,794
Non-performing loans to total loans ....................... .41% .40% .43%
Non-performing assets to total assets ..................... .51% .50% .58%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans .................. .44% .44% .50%
Mortgage loans serviced for others ........................ $ 1,231,644 $ 1,226,874 $ 1,124,392
Investment in Bank real estate subsidiaries ............... 8,054 7,930 12,802

THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
-------------------------
2000 1999
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Average balance data:
Total assets ............................................................. $4,731,076 $4,082,286
Loans receivable ......................................................... 3,950,441 3,362,180
Interest-earning assets .................................................. 4,507,699 3,861,280
Deposits ................................................................. 2,583,165 2,533,651
Interest-bearing liabilities ............................................. 4,173,897 3,552,040
Stockholders' equity ..................................................... 352,317 339,608
Performance ratios (annualized):
Return on average assets ................................................. 1.11% 1.14%
Return on average equity ................................................. 14.88 13.76
Average yield on interest-earning assets ................................. 7.11 7.00
Average cost of interest-bearing liabilities ............................. 4.76 4.46
Interest rate spread ..................................................... 2.35 2.54
Net interest margin ...................................................... 2.71 2.95
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities .. 108.00 108.71
Non-interest expense to average assets ................................... 1.50 1.59
Non-interest expense to average assets and loans serviced for others ..... 1.19 1.25
Efficiency ratio ......................................................... 46.34 45.99
Loan originations and purchases ........................................... $ 302,442 $ 391,110
Loans and mortgage-backed securities sold ................................. 35,712 139,197
Cash dividends declared per share ......................................... .09 .07