Exhibit 99.2

                            CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
                  SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002



In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of First Midwest Financial,
Inc. (the "Company") for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I,
Donald J. Winchell, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to
section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

          (1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a)
     or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

          (2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
     material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the
     Company.



 By:  /s/ Donald J. Winchell
      -----------------------
 Name:    Donald J. Winchell
 Chief Financial Officer
 December 27, 2002