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