EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF EXPERT CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 33-80171 and 333-22523 of First Midwest Financial, Inc. on Forms 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 13 to First Midwest Financial, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999. /s/ Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP South Bend, Indiana December 27, 1999