EXHIBIT 23.2

                     CONSENT OF CROWE, CHIZEK & COMPANY LLP








                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
                         -------------------------------



We consent to the  incorporation  by reference in  Registration  Statement  Nos.
33-80171  and  33-22523  of First  Midwest  Financial,  Inc.  on Form S-8 and in
Registration Statement No. 333-9871 of First Midwest Financial, Inc. on Form S-3
of our report dated  October 15, 1999,  contained in Exhibit 99 to First Midwest
Financial  Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September
30, 2000.

                                               /s/ Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP
                                               ---------------------------------
                                                   Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP





South Bend Indiana
December 21, 2000