SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report: ~~January~~February 187, 2001

Old Kent Financial Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as
specified in its charter)

Michigan
(State or other
jurisdiction of
incorporation)

0-14591
(Commission
File Number)

38-1986608
(IRS Employer
Identification no.)

111 Lyon Street, N.W.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
(Address of principal executive offices)

49503
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number,
including area code: (616) 771-5000

Item 5.

Other Events.

On In ~~January~~connection ~~18,~~with ~~2001~~its pending merger with Fifth Third Bancorp, Old Kent Financial Corporation ~~issued~~has decided to consider strategic alternatives for certain components of its mortgage banking business. These components involve aspects of this business which are related to areas outside the ~~press~~combined ~~release~~Midwestern ~~attached~~banking asmarket ~~Exhibit~~areas 99of Old Kent and Fifth Third.1 Any actions which may ultimately occur are expected to ~~this~~be ~~Form~~completed ~~8-K~~after April 1, 2001.

Item 7.

Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information, and Exhibits.

	(c)	Exhibits:
		99.1	Old Kent Press Release dated January 18, 2001.

None.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized .

Dated: January 18, 2001 OLD KENT FINANCIAL CORPORATION (Registrant) By: /s/ Albert T. Potas Albert T. Potas Senior Vice President

Dated: February 7, 2001	OLD KENT FINANCIAL CORPORATION (Registrant)

	By:/s/ Albert T. Potas
	Albert T. Potas Senior Vice President

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number			Document
	99.1		Old Kent Press Release dated January 18, 2001.

Filing Compare · OLD KENT FINANCIAL CORP /MI/